Systematic pain management in livestock remains inconsistent despite strong evidence that painful conditions like mastitis, lameness, and dystocia cause significant welfare harm.
Livestock pain management underuse is a welfare failure that occurs despite the existence of licensed, relatively affordable, and practically manageable analgesic options. The barriers are primarily attitudinal and cultural rather than practical — the belief that farm animals have lower pain sensitivity, that pain medication is uneconomical, or that withdrawal periods make treatment impractical are the primary obstacles. Veterinary influence is the most powerful lever for change — prescribing analgesics routinely alongside antibiotic treatment normalizes pain management and eliminates the decision barrier. Welfare-positive veterinary practice sets the expectation that pain management is standard, not optional.